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Monday, November 21, 2016

Last night we had a comfy Sunday evening at home. We didn't have church and because of our coughs (which have been hanging on for Weeks) we decided to not make any other plans.

Our lovely fall weather abruptly changed to freezing temperatures and howling winds this weekend, and Ed started a fire in the fireplace. We got out hymn books and enjoyed singing (until the coughing made us curtail that activity), read out loud (but that is hard to do coughing too), and enjoyed some games.

It reminded me how much I enjoy winter evenings. Our family loves outdoor activities like hiking and biking, but there is something special about indoor activities on cold winter evenings.

My mother-in-law has blessed us with some great games for our children's birthdays. In case you are looking for some new family games, here is a list of some of our favorites, starting with the very easiest to play and moving to harder games.

Too Many Monkeys
I think all of our five-year-olds have went through a stage that this was their favorite game. It can be played by non-readers, but a little more challenging than Uno.

Quirkle
Another game that non-readers can play but appeals to all ages. This might be my favorite on the list. There is just enough variety to each game to keep it interesting yet it isn't too mind stretching for a weary, side-tracked mom.

Dutch Blitz
Ed teaches my children the classic games such as checkers, Monopoly, chess, and scrabble. I'm glad he does because I'm too hyper to enjoy games of strategy. Dutch Blitz has been my favorite for years because you don't need to take turns. Everyone lays out cards at the same time.

Blokus
Another game that is fun for all ages. We have the travel version that is played by only two people, but there are many other versions.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

I just realized today that Thanksgiving is next week. Don't ask where I've been, but obviously not somewhere that has a calendar. Maybe in the laundry room?

We try to keep Christmas simple at our home - especially in the gift giving department. But we do like to find a special gift for each of our children. Our children also like to give small gifts to their siblings. This year for the first time, our four oldest children exchanged names so that they only have one sibling to buy/make something for. I admit that I suggested a name exchange mostly for my own sanity as I usually get the task of helping come up with ideas. Four children times four. Too much for this mom's brain.

Recently a Home Joys reader asked for some gift ideas for older girls. I thought I'd share some of my ideas in hopes that all of you would contribute some more ideas.

For our older children we have attempted to find gifts that would help build skills or give experiences. We want gifts that are not just going to add to the clutter of our house or feed the "gimmie" attitude.

I'm not sure how well we have succeeded, but here are some ideas we've done in the past.

1. Crochet hook and yarn with some directions for an easy project such as a scarf.

2. Binoculars for a budding bird watcher.

3. Wood working tools with scrap wood, paint, and nails for hours of creativity. (And this can be for both boys and girls.)

Friday, November 11, 2016

I can probably trace my interest in sourdough to reading By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I longed to have a taste of her famous sourdough biscuits. This recipe is different than what is described in the book, but of the various sourdough biscuit recipes I have tried, this is our favorite.

So pretend you are Ma Ingalls and make sourdough biscuits for breakfast. We love these with sausage gravy for breakfast.

Knead briefly, just enough to smooth and shape into a ball. The dough should be sticky. Flatten dough to about 1-inch thick. Cut biscuits with a three-inch cutter. Place in a 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes. Serve hot with butter and honey or sausage gravy.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

While the rest of the internet goes in a tizzy over this election, maybe I'll write about something that maybe we Americans can agree upon. Apple pie.

There are so many great fall desserts that I'd hate to choose a favorite, but apple pie would certainly make the list. And I've never eaten an apple pie that I like better than my mom's recipe. This was the first pie that I learned to make when I was about twelve. Which reminds me that I should teach my twelve-year-old how to make it.

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Welcome! I am Gina, a Mennonite mom who loves serving the Lord, my husband, and dear children (ages 13,11,10,8,3, and1). This is where I ramble about books, broccoli, and baking bread. In May of 2017 my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer so I'll include notes from our cancer journey.